EUROXR IN ACTION

EuroXR's path towards the Virtual Worlds Partnership: 

A Comprehensive Overview

EuroXR continues to lead efforts in fostering innovation and collaboration within the XR ecosystem. One of the most ambitious initiatives, the VW Partnership, has been an ongoing journey marked by strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and collaborative efforts. This article highlights the milestones achieved in this critical initiative, covering from 2022 to 2024 and continuing.

The Beginning: Laying the Foundations (2022)

The journey began in September 2022, with an initial meeting between EuroXR representatives and the European Commission’s DG-Connect. This milestone marked the first step in identifying the key priorities for the VW Partnership.

Shortly after in June 2022, the Delphi Study was published, laying the groundwork for understanding the XR landscape and identifying potential opportunities within the initiative. By November 2022, EuroXR made its presence felt at ITW 22 actively contributing to discussions about the future of XR technologies.

Building Momentum: Strategy and Support (2023)

The year 2023 marked a crucial phase of building momentum:

  • July 2023: A strategy for the VW Partnership was formalized, aligning efforts across stakeholders.

  • October 2023: EuroXR began collecting supporting letters from key stakeholders to establish a robust foundation for the VW Partnership.

  • November 2023: 

    • EuroXR participated and played an active role in the VR/AR Industrial Coalition, ensuring alignment with industry leaders.

    • Organisation and participation of the 20th EuroXR International Conference -  EuroXR 23 in the Immersive Tech Week (ITW 23), where the initiative was discussed with the broader XR community.

  • December 2023: 

    • The year concluded with significant efforts to gather government backing, as national position papers were developed to request state support for the initiative.

Action and Collaboration: Key Milestones for 2024

With a solid foundation laid in the previous years, EuroXR entered 2024 with action-oriented goals:

  • February 2024: A physical meeting in Brussels brought together key stakeholders to evaluate progress and refine next steps.

  • March 2024: Collaboration deepened with EuroXR’s participation in the I-NCP meeting, fostering cross-sector dialogue.

  • June to July 2024: A series of calls and meetings were conducted to advance the Federation of XR Associations, strengthening collaborative frameworks within the XR community.

  • September 2024: 

    • EuroXR presented propositions for structuring and managing the VW Partnership, paving the way for the initiative’s implementation.

    • Continued engagement with the VR/AR Industrial Coalition kept the momentum going.

  • October 2024: EuroXR made strides at the NEM Summit, contributing to discussions on XR’s role in broader technological advancements.

  • November 2024: Participation in Horizon 24 demonstrated EuroXR’s commitment to European research and development.

Looking Ahead in 2025 and Beyond

The actions taken towards the contribution to the VW Partnership is an example of EuroXR’s commitment to driving innovation in XR technologies and promoting collaboration across industries and sectors. This initiative has not only strengthened the XR community but also aligned efforts with European standards and goals.

As we move forward, EuroXR remains committed to driving impactful initiatives, bringing together educators, policymakers, and industry leaders to create a thriving XR ecosystem in Europe and beyond.